by TOM WELCH
Special to the Sounder
Many important events occurred in 1913.
Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States. Mexico had a revolution, and the Uruguayan Air Force was founded.
The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, instituting income tax for all Americans.
Ford introduced the assembly line, the Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world, the first prize was inserted in a Cracker Jack box, and Charlie Chaplin began his film career.
The Lincoln Highway, the first paved automobile road across the U.S., was dedicated. R.J. Reynolds introduced a new cigarette brand – Camels.
Those born in 1913 included actors and actresses (Loretta Young, John Garfield, Red Skelton, Burt Lancaster, Vivien Leigh, Lloyd Bridges, Danny Kaye, Tyrone Power), politicians (Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford), athletes (Jesse Owens, Vince Lombardi), and American heroines (Rosa Parks).
To this stellar assemblage one small voice was added on Dec. 8, 1913, at Woodside Farm, Orcas Island, Wash. – Jane Willis. Of all those listed above, only one remains: Jane Willis Barfoot-Hodde.
Jane was born on the farm her grandparents homesteaded in 1887, attended school at the Olga Schoolhouse through the eighth grade, and graduated in the first graduating class from Orcas Island High School in 1931. Jane married Jack Barfoot, and with him had three children: Irene, Frances, and Harold.
Some years after Jack passed away, Jane married Charles Hodde and moved to Olympia.
After Charles Hodde passed away, Jane returned to Olga, where she still lives in the house across the road from the Energetics Club.
Come join Jane’s friends, neighbors, and relations at a celebration of Jane’s life for her 100th birthday. The event will take place on July 13 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at her home in Olga.
There will be fun, food, warm reminiscences, and a chance to say hello to a wonderful centenarian.
Everyone is welcome to the celebration.
Directions: follow the Olga Road to downtown Olga, mind the people dancing in the streets, park your car and join the festivities.
